Water temperature affects fish more than any other single factor. Fish are ectothermic - their body temperature fluctuates in accordance with the temperature of their environment, usually remaining 10C higher.
As the temperature drops, the ability of the koi to digest and assimilate food decreases. In the winter months, therefore, at temperatures below 10C(50F), it is a good idea to feed cereal diets that the koi can digest quickly and easily and that do not stay in the gut too long. High-protein diets linger in the gut and can cause severe problems; the bacteria found in the fish's gut, which play a role in breaking down some less readily digestible substances, such as cellulose, may become pathogenic if food is retained in the gut too long.
As the water temperature rises, however, the koi need protein for growth, repair of damaged tissue and injuries, and for reproduction. In the summer, koi will benefit from a high-protein diet containing 35 to 40 percent of fishmeal-based protein.
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Water Temp. (°F.)
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Feeding Frequency
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Food Type
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Less than 50ºF.
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Do not feed Koi.
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Temperatures at 50° F. of more than one month may require supplemental feedings of low protein and high carbohydrates.
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50-55ºF
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2-3 times a week if Koi are hungry.
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High carbohydrate, low protein, laxative type foods. Wheat germ, Cheerios®, squash, lettuce and brown bread.
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55-59ºF
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4-5 times per week if Koi are hungry.
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Add low protein (25%) pellets along with vegetables. Increase quantities gradually as temperature increases.
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59ºF
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Once per day six days per week.
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Low protein (25%) pellets along with high carbohydrate vegetables and fruit.
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60-65ºF
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Once per day every day.
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Gradually increase protein in pellets (35%) and quantity of pellets. Vary diet with vegetables and fruit.
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65-72ºF
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Once or twice per day.
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Bulk of diet should be 35% protein pellets. Add fruits, vegetables, and plankton for variety.
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72-80ºF
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3 to 4 times per day.
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High protein pellets (35% to 40%) with color enhancers. Add plankton, vegetables, fruits, and shrimp.
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